Brian Ward's Obituary
Brian Ward of Pearland, Texas passed away on Thursday morning August 31, 2023, after reaching the young age of 87 on August 11, 2023. Brian battled Metastatic Head, Tongue, Neck and Lung Cancer. He fought bravely and valiantly for 2 years and 3 months, far surpassing his doctor’s estimated 2 to 3 months. Brian never gave up his fight for survival, not even in the hours leading up to his passing. He remained positive and loved his independence in his “little house”. He passed peacefully in his sleep with his stepson Anthony Sapp by his side.
Brian was born on August 11, 1936, in Yorkshire, England to Benjamin Ward and Monica (Robinson) Ward. As a young child he was cared for by his grandparents while his mother tended to the wounded soldiers of World War II, as a Registered Nurse. He experienced the bombing and the worry of the war as his father fought bravely on the front lines. Brian would often speak of wartime rationing of the simplest food items. This time in his life played a pivotal role in the amazing man he would become and the lessons he would pass down through generations.
His lifelong love of all things nautical started at the age of 14 as he became “cabin boy” on a fishing vessel in the North Sea and beyond. Brian later scored high marks at Kingston Upon Hull College and in 1958, at the age of 21, enlisted in the Royal Air Force where he studied electronics. In 1968 he studied at the U.S. Electronic Crypto School in Fontain Bleau, France and taught electronics to Saudi Arabian Air Force personnel along the way. He served his country for 12 years. In 1971 he become a Radio-Sonar Operator for the U. K. Government vessel Fish Sounders Arctic, where he assisted in the research of fish movement. 1972 marked the beginning of a 14-year association with Brown & Root Inc. He gained extensive work experience during this time. Duties included but were not limited to the design and installation of Radar, Sonar, radio and video equipment; onshore and offshore installation of systems, fabrication of underwater cables and sensors, maintenance and installation of generators, turbines, data acquisition equipment, navigation systems, communication systems, and project management of Brown & Root’s European construction fleet based in Rotterdam, Holland. Brian received outstanding letters of recommendation and accolades from his peers and the executive staff of Brown & Root as he ended his employment there in 1986 to become a freelance electrical engineer and consultant.
The late 70’s brought him to America as a Brown & Root contractor where he met Sally (Sullivan-Sapp). They married in September of 1985. He had enormous love for the United States and was filled with pride when he became an American citizen in 1988. Brian was instrumental in helping to mold Sally’s sons Stanley and Anthony into successful adults, instilling the indispensable value of hard work and intellectual curiosity. In 1987 Brian was hired by the University of Texas at Austin Institute for Geophysics on the vessel Fred H. Moore as a Marine Engineer. He oversaw all shipboard electrical and electronic services, including switchgear re-design, ships alarms, annunciators and emergency systems. This voyage measured and mapped fault lines, seismic data, and ocean floor anomalies worldwide. Upon leaving UT in 1988 he was again given outstanding letters of recommendation stating he had a delightful effect on the harmony of the crew. After leaving The University of Texas Geophysics Institute Brian spent ten years as a chemist and Senior Research Technician for Shell Oil at the Westhollow Technology Center. There he and a small team of other scientists earned the “Champions of Shell” award for inventive work that revolutionized a cleaner burning diesel fuel, a now patented process that has earned billions worldwide. Many years later he became a security guard at Shell, to pass the time. When he decided to hang up his security guard uniform, he received a retirement send off with overwhelming sentiments to enjoy his second retirement. He always made an impact on his peers.
Brian was a true Renaissance man and loved the fine arts. He was very knowledgeable about music and played the piano. He appreciated classic literature and poetry and would often quote Shakespeare, Shelley, Byron or Dylan Thomas. His encyclopedic mind also held countless Yorkshire rugby songs and jokes. He was a linguist who spoke five languages, including English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish. He had foreign experience in The Netherlands, England, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Mexico, South America, Japan, Australia, Africa and the Micronesian Islands.
Brian experienced and saw more than many of us can dream of. His mind remained sharp even through the last hours of life. He always had multiple construction projects going and stayed focused by inventing and improving things around him. Our family has been blessed to share our lives with him. He has loved us all by sharing his life experiences, being thoughtful and intentional in his actions. He encouraged and inspired us by sharing his passions and perspectives. He bragged about those he loved from his great nephews and brilliant nephew Simon in Prague to his stepsons and his grandchildren. He shared all of himself with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and leaves this world inspiring and touching the lives of so many. He impacted his neighbors and landlord, the pharmacists who filled his prescriptions, the beautiful soul Wanda who delivered his meals on wheels, the doctors, the nurses and Michelle, the home care professional who became family by caring and making sure Brian always felt alive as she drove him around town. Our family will miss our weekly Sunday lunches and afternoon coffee discussions. All that knew him will miss the stories and the way he would dissect and over explain the inner workings of simple or intricate and complicated things. A wealth of knowledge, integrity, and love. Heaven truly received an angel when Brian received his wings.
Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Ward and Monica (Robinson) Ward of Yorkshire, England; brother-in-law Martin Eversfield of Yorkshire, England and countless friends.
Brian is survived by his wife, Sally Ward of La Porte, Texas; Stepchildren, Anthony Sapp and wife Elayne (Durham) Sapp of Pearland, Texas; Stanley Sapp and wife Maria (Rocha) Sapp of Katy, Texas; Sister Patricia (Ward) Eversfield of Yorkshire, England; Grandchildren Santos Sapp of Katy, Texas, Olivia Sapp, Emmitt Sapp and Maisie Sapp of Pearland, Texas; Nephew Simon Ward Eversfield and wife Iva Eversfield of Prague, Czech Republic; Great Nephews Michael Eversfield and Thomas Eversfield of Prague, Czech Republic; Extended family Emmitt and Margarita Sapp of Humble, Texas; David Durham of Houston, Texas; Linda (Culp) Krashowetz of Pearland, Texas; Robert Durham of Pearland, Texas; Courtney (Durham) Cowley, husband Matthew Cowley and daughter Rilynn Cowley of Manvel, Texas; Al and Tammy Smith of Midland, Texas and other beloved friends and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, September 23, 2023, at River Pointe Church, Missouri City, Texas. RPC Missouri City Campus, 7057 Knights Court, Missouri City, TX 77459.
Please have flowers delivered to the church on Friday between 10am and 3pm?
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